Parklands Golf Club

The men’s fixture list for the remainder of February and March has been revised pleased visit Men’s Fixture list for details

The following is the speech made by our incoming Men’s Captain for 2019 – Terry Cooper – at the Men’s AGM last Sunday :-

Firstly, I want to say a big thank you to Chris Bowman for all the hard work he has done over the past two years. When Chris told me I was to be his Vice Captain, I couldn’t say no and in the 12 months that I have worked with Chris, I could tell how proud he was to be Captain of this Golf Club and how he was well respected on and off the course (not only at Parklands but, across the County).

Chris has proved himself to be a great ambassador for Parklands and I consider it a great honour and privilege to take on the role of Captain but, I have some really, really big shoes to fill.

So here I am as your new Captain, going from what has been the youngest Captain, to possibly the oldest. I can assure you I have the same pride and commitment as Chris had for this position and this Golf Club. I think most people here know me. I have been a member here for thirty years, mostly under the radar. Like a lot of people I was quite happy to turn up, play my golf, have a pint and leave. Until twelve years ago, on one of Kenny’s trips, over half a beer he talked me into putting up for the Committee. I was accepted and it was then I found out how much work it takes (all done by volunteers may I add) so people could turn up and play their golf, just like I used to do.

I also consider myself very fortunate to be starting my Captain’s year at this time. Over the last few years I have seen the upturn in Parklands. The course is in great hands with Jon Watson and his team, backed up by Arena Racing. As Vice Captain last year I welcomed Captains and Vice Captains from the Hadrian League teams and the feedback was all very positive, the general consensus being, that our greens were the best in the League.

I am not going into this year thinking this is all about a parking space and some free golf rounds. I know there is a lot of responsibility and hard work involved in this position and I am looking forward to working with Lynda Holt and the Ladies section; Alan Dixon and the Vets; Brian Malone and the Juniors.

I am very approachable, even though sometimes it may look as if I’m not. An example being — my wife Karin often asks the question, are you happy? I reply, yeah I’m fine, she then laughs and says ‘well can you please tell your face’.

I would like to thank everyone for coming tonight and that leaves me to announce my Vice Captain. I made this decision for all the hard work he has done since joining the Committee and I hope he enjoys his year as Vice Captain as much as I have —– Graeme Brown.

The AGM for the Parklands Vets Section was held in the clubhouse this morning and one of the most significant changes agreed at the meeting was a change of name. Forthwith, the Section will be known as the ‘Seniors Section’. The section continues to be a mixed section. Along with the name change, there was a new constitution agreed, a copy of which will be placed in the clubhouse for members to read at their leisure. Happy golfing.

If you are playing golf tomorrow or later this week, don’t forget that the new Rules of Golf apply from midnight tonight. So if you have done nothing about learning the changes, you will need to spend some time familiarising yourself with the changes before you turn up for your next competition. Good luck

INTRODUCTION

The new Rules of Golf 2019 take effect on 1st January 2019. The key changes include:

• Penalty Area – an area from which relief with a 1 shot penalty is allowed (formerly ‘Water Hazard’). Still defined as either yellow or red.
• Relief Area – the area in which the ball must be dropped (and come to rest) when taking relief under a rule.
• Reference Point – the point from which the size of the Relief Area is measured.
• General Area – anywhere on the course except Teeing areas, Penalty areas, Bunkers and Greens (formerly ‘Through the Green’)
• Temporary Water – formerly ‘Casual Water’
  

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Joe Gray who was a former member of Parklands Golf Club and who will be remembered by many of the regulars who played golf in the Sunday morning Men’s Competitions.  Joe died peacefully on Christmas Eve. Joe’s funeral is Tuesday 8th January at West Road crematorium at 3.00pm. The full notice from the Chronicle – GRAY JOSEPH COLLINGWOOD Joe (Wideopen) Peacefully in hospital on December 24th, aged 68 years. Dearly loved husband of Val, dear stepdad of Tracey, father-in-law of Ian, a much loved ‘grandad Joe’ to Christopher, dear brother of Michael and brother-in-law to Kath. Friends please meet for service at the West Road Crematorium on Tuesday January 8th at 3.00pm. Family flowers only please donations in lieu may be sent for Cancer Research UK C/o Melrose Funeral Services, 39 Market Street, Dudley, NE23 7HS

The Vets players of the year were announced at the Annual Dinner and Presentation night last Wednesday.

The photograph shows Peter Clark receiving his trophy as the men’s winner. The Lady winner was Mary Wright who could not attend to collect her trophy on the night. Well done to you both.

All the photographs of the presentation can be viewed by clicking the following link to launch Flikr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/100735050@N04/albums/72157698307940460

With 70 members and partners sitting down to dine on a 3-course meal last night, Parklands was filled to capacity. The Vets annual dinner and presentation night was well attended and well organised, and Lynn and the staff worked hard all day to prepare and serve a traditional Christmas fare. The trophy presentation was well attended with most of the winners collecting their trophies on the night. A generous amount of donations ensured a wide distribution of raffle prizes. Thanks to all who helped to make the occasion go so well.

Yesterday our Lady Chairman (and Northumberland County Captain), Candy Brown, had the great pleasure of handing over a cheque for £600 to the Maggie’s Centre at the Freeman Hospital. The proceeds from donations from her Chairman’s day at Parklands were combined with the County Event for the Durnell Trophy held in June, which always go to the county captain’s chosen charity.
She picked Maggie’s Newcastle as her charity this year as it is such a warm and happy place that supports so many people. Maggie’s provides free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their family and friends “I have fond memories of my times there with my best friend, also called Maggie, who sadly is no longer with us.”

The Presentation Evening for the Northumbria Junior Golf League was held last Sunday night at Whitley Bay Golf Club. To cap off a great year for our junior team, we were proud to see one of our team players, Ben Jones, receive the Frank Dobson Award Junior for League Player of the Year 2018 – well done Ben – a superb achievement.